Preschool – High SchoolParents
Private School Admissions Testing
Applying to an independent school often means your child needs individually administered testing — and you need results in a format admissions offices accept, on their timeline. We provide admission testing in a calm, child-friendly setting.
Testing that works for schools — and for your child.
Many independent schools in the Richmond area ask for cognitive or ability testing administered one-on-one by a licensed psychologist as part of the admission application. For a young child, the experience of that testing makes a difference: a relaxed setting and an examiner who is good with kids produces results that reflect what your child can actually do. Testing with us can also take a more holistic view of your child than the minimum a school requires. And you own the results and the report — you decide who sees them, not the school.
Dr. Brinkley grew up in Richmond's independent school community — she was a “lifer” at Collegiate — and understands what these applications involve from both sides. Beyond the scores, admission testing gives you a genuine look at your child's learning profile, which is exactly the information a school-fit decision should rest on.
Focused on your question — nothing you don't need
A pre-test consultation
A brief call about the schools you're applying to, what each one requires, and your deadlines — so nothing is missed.
One-on-one testing
An age-appropriate, individually administered ability test in a relaxed session built around your child's attention span.
Reports schools accept
Score reports prepared in the format each admissions office requires and submitted on time.
A parent feedback conversation
A plain-language walk-through of the results — strengths, relative weaknesses, and what they mean, including potential implications for what school environment may be a better fit.
Honest follow-up
If testing surfaces a question worth a closer look — attention, learning, development — we tell you plainly and lay out your options.
Testing that meets each school's requirements and deadlines, results you own and actually understand, and candid guidance based on your child's nuanced profile.
Frequently asked questions
Which tests do private schools require for admission?
It varies by school and by your child's age. Most Richmond-area independent schools ask for an individually administered ability test given by a licensed psychologist. We confirm each school's current requirements during your pre-test consultation, so you're never guessing.
When should we schedule admission testing?
Earlier than most families expect. Application deadlines cluster in winter, and testing calendars fill in the fall. Reach out as soon as you know you're applying, and we'll plan the timing around your deadlines.
What if the testing raises a concern about learning or attention?
We tell you plainly. Admission testing sometimes surfaces a question worth a closer look, and if it does, we'll explain what we saw and whether a fuller evaluation makes sense — no pressure either way.
Do you test children applying to schools around Richmond, and what does it cost?
Yes. We work with families applying to independent schools across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover, at our office at 5006 Monument Avenue (Suite B), Richmond, VA 23230. We'll go over fees at your free consultation. Call 804-205-7624 or email mbrinkley@brinkleypsychology.com to start.
Not sure where to begin?
Reach out for a brief, free consultation. We’ll talk through what’s going on and figure out the right next step together.